A fond farewell

Family and friends said goodbye to catering legend Don Strange Sunday at a memorial service at his Hill Country ranch.

Published 6:56 pm, Sunday, November 15, 2009

WELFARE - The party must go on.

That's how family and friends say Don Strange - the San Antonio catering giant, who died Wednesday from a heart attack - would have wanted it.

So a memorial service in his honor Sunday, held at his sprawling Hill Country ranch, was just the kind of party Strange might have catered himself, complete with a dessert reception, live music and a large gathering of people sharing memories.

"He would always say, 'Parties come first,'" said Esther Sanchez, who had worked alongside Strange in the food service business for 34 years. "If you've got a party and something happens, then you continue going."

More than 1,000 people attended the memorial, on an overcast, misty day in a picturesque grassy area that's normally reserved for weddings and other events at the ranch.

Several speakers addressed the crowd, including Strange's 11-year-old grandson Jake, who tearfully but proudly recalled that he'd been given the nickname "Little Don."

"You told me I was perfect," Jake said. "But I think you were perfect, too."

Earlier Sunday, the family held a private ceremony with the Rev. Buckner Fanning and spread Strange's ashes.

Strange made his name as a party planner and culinary innovator after expanding on what began as his parents' restaurant and small catering business. Eventually, his fame grew both locally and nationally. In his 69 years, Strange catered for everyone from presidents and congressional leaders to Hurricane Katrina evacuees taking shelter in San Antonio.

But despite the accolades, Strange never sought the spotlight.

"To Don, it was never about Don," said his brother-in-law, Ben Singleton. "It was always about you."

"He was just the most wonderful, big teddy bear of a man," the lawmaker said. She carried a Texas flag that was flown over the Texas Capitol on the day that Strange died.

Amid the sorrow Sunday, there were the hints of the things that brought Strange joy. A gospel choir opened and closed the service, ending with "When the Saints Go Marching In." During the reception, a band launched into a boisterous rendition of "Rocky Top," a song they said Strange would likely have asked them to play.

It was fitting for a man who loved nothing more than to throw a good party and make his clients happy, who treated every wedding and every gala as if they were his own.

"He wanted you to feel at home, like you couldn't wait to get back and bring the rest of your group with you," said Brian Strange, the eldest of Strange's three sons.

And he imagined his father's reputation as a great host would continue.

"It's a sad day, but a happy day," his son said, "because he's in heaven, and he's planning a great feast."